Following are the contents of ORS except:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Explanation

Calcium carbonate is not a component of the standard World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) formula.
The primary function of Calcium carbonate is as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid or as a calcium supplement, which is unrelated to the goals of oral rehydration therapy.
ORS is specifically designed to replace water and electrolytes lost during diarrhea.
The other options—Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride, and Sugar (glucose)—are all essential components of ORS.

Option A: Sodium chloride is a fundamental component of ORS. It is crucial for replacing lost sodium, which helps the body retain water and correct dehydration.
Option B: Potassium chloride is a vital ingredient in ORS. Diarrhea leads to significant potassium loss, and replacing it is essential to prevent complications like muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Option C: Sugar, in the form of glucose, is an essential part of ORS. It facilitates the absorption of sodium (and therefore water) from the intestines through the sodium-glucose co-transport mechanism.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Composition of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
ORS is a cornerstone of treatment for acute diarrhea and dehydration, credited with saving millions of lives, especially in children.
A nurse's role includes correctly preparing the ORS solution, administering it in small, frequent sips to prevent vomiting, and monitoring the patient's hydration status (e.g., skin turgor, urine output, level of consciousness).
It is critical to educate caregivers that ORS should be mixed with clean water only and that the solution should be discarded after 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'except' in the question stem. This indicates you need to find the option that does not belong.
Next, recall the core concept being tested: the components of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
Systematically evaluate each option against your knowledge of the ORS formula.
Option A, Sodium chloride: Is this in ORS? Yes, it's a key salt.
Option B, Potassium chloride: Is this in ORS? Yes, it replaces lost potassium.
Option C, Sugar: Is this in ORS? Yes, glucose is essential for sodium absorption.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Composition of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Stem keywords: ORS, contents
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the component that is NOT part of ORS.

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Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.